And to think... most people put that much on their cars every year, but it would be an indistinguishable back and forth squiggle over the same strip of road day after day.
The 'loop around the US' is a far superior way to travel that distance

While on the topic of interesting states--If I may quote Demetri Martin: "I learned something while on the road. State Shapes: The easier a state is to draw, the more boring it is to live in. Culture is attracted to squiggles!"

Click to expand...

Hmmm, Not

While I've mostly lived on the Right coast, I was a ski bum in Colo. And that state is probably 1 of the easiest to draw, so Demetri's logic doesn't hold...

Thanks for all the encouraging comments. One of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of this trip has been all the feedback, which has motivated some very real changes in my life, too. :)

I'll be adding a few footnotes soon, but here's a condensation of all my geotagged photos. The map reminds me of a board game where sometimes I rolled 12 and covered great distances and sometimes I rolled snake eyes. (Hint: the higher the condensation of pins mark areas of the country that might be more visually interesting.)

While on the topic of interesting states--If I may quote Demetri Martin: "I learned something while on the road. State Shapes: The easier a state is to draw, the more boring it is to live in. Culture is attracted to squiggles!"

Click to expand...

Nice bit of map-u-puncture and the easy to draw rule of thumb is great, but ...

Check this out for a big exception. The history of square grids on the prairie, written by the guru of blue highways himself, William Least Heat-Moon. An amazing book:

While I've mostly lived on the Right coast, I was a ski bum in Colo. And that state is probably 1 of the easiest to draw, so Demetri's logic doesn't hold...

Click to expand...

Completely agree, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah....Nevada to. I bet I can draw them in my sleep, but they are my favorites. Plus AH, that would probably make Florida a Super State to visit.....but it's just okay. Then again I've been here most of my life. LOL

So I'm thinking about selling my Supersport 800 and buying a Vstrom. I really don't know how you did it AH, you don't look short. My knees and hip are sore enough that walking hurts for a minute after about 3 hours on mine. I'm 6'2", and most bikes I sit on seem like they're made for someone with much shorter legs. But alas, I can't afford a multi and my knees won't let me take the Italian out AH style.So anyway, need to do some wandering...

So I'm thinking about selling my Supersport 800 and buying a Vstrom. I really don't know how you did it AH, you don't look short. My knees and hip are sore enough that walking hurts for a minute after about 3 hours on mine. I'm 6'2", and most bikes I sit on seem like they're made for someone with much shorter legs. But alas, I can't afford a multi and my knees won't let me take the Italian out AH style.So anyway, need to do some wandering...

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? I think it's one of the most comfortable positions ever. Maybe the limbic resonance triggers some sort of anti-inflammatory biological response? :)

Not to hijack the thread, but ewaugh, you should keep the 800 and buy a good used Vstrom. A tall buddy loves his. Btw, there is a really good article about "improving" the Vstrom in the February issue of Rider motorcycle motorcycle magazine. The accessories in this article are heated grips, special seat, nice exhaust, PIAA running lights, etc.

Surprised you take us seriously! LOL
I do have to say about the states, I think it is more of how long you have lived somewhere.
I am from PR and visit regularly, live in florida and lots of people come down here and talk about how beautiful this paradise is, then complain about all the mountain roads they have to take to get to the closest gas station......when in fact, I would consider that paradise.

Thanks for all the encouraging comments. One of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of this trip has been all the feedback, which has motivated some very real changes in my life, too. :)

I'll be adding a few footnotes soon, but here's a condensation of all my geotagged photos. The map reminds me of a board game where sometimes I rolled 12 and covered great distances and sometimes I rolled snake eyes. (Hint: the higher the condensation of pins mark areas of the country that might be more visually interesting.)

While on the topic of interesting states--If I may quote Demetri Martin: "I learned something while on the road. State Shapes: The easier a state is to draw, the more boring it is to live in. Culture is attracted to squiggles!"

Click to expand...

Is it just me and my left brain focus but does anyone else find it amusing that the tracks of your trip with " An Italian Supermodel" take final form in the shape of a big beautiful Italian red smiling lips...............jusayin

So I'm thinking about selling my Supersport 800 and buying a Vstrom. I really don't know how you did it AH, you don't look short. My knees and hip are sore enough that walking hurts for a minute after about 3 hours on mine. I'm 6'2", and most bikes I sit on seem like they're made for someone with much shorter legs. But alas, I can't afford a multi and my knees won't let me take the Italian out AH style.So anyway, need to do some wandering...

Click to expand...

Look into the used Multistrada market. The older ones are 2-valve, air cooled simplicity. The "S" model has Ohlins suspension and great brakes. I'd suggest the Tiger 1050, too.

Just finished up your thread AH, amazing reading and I am so glad I StubledUpon it randomly. Just a thought about future trips, have you ever considered starting an account on a fundraising site? I can't speak for anyone else on here, but I know I would donate some cash to keep reading your RR's...Just a thought...Again, love your story, and I am super bummed its over.

Also was bummed you missed Zion National Park and the southern canyon land areas in Utah, thats some beautiful country.